大般若波羅蜜多経巻第一百五十七|Fragment of Vol. 157 of Sutra of the Perfection of Wisdom (Mahaprajnaparamita sutra; Daihannyaharamittakyō) 大般若波羅蜜多経巻第一百五十七

Art Historical Context

This exquisite fragment from Volume 157 of the *Daihannyaharamittō* (Sutra of the Perfection of) offers a glimpse into Japan's rich tradition of Buddhist printing during the turbulent Nanbokuchō period (6–92). Produced in the sixth month of 1383 (Eitoku 3), this wood-printed accordion-style book (*orihon*) measures a compact 10¼ × 3¾ inches, designed for portability and repeated use in meditation or study. The sutra, a cornerstone ofayana Buddhism, explores profound teachings on wisdom (*prajñā*) and the path to enlightenment, reflecting the era's deep spiritual devotion amid civil strife between rival imperial courts. The medium—ink on paper via woodblock printing—marks a pinnacle of medieval Japanese craftsmanship. This technique, refined from Chinese influences, allowed mass production of sacred texts, making esoteric wisdom accessible to monks and laypeople alike. The accordion format unfolds like a scroll, facilitating ritual recitation, while precise carving ensured clarity in the intricate kanji script. As one of over 600 volumes in the full *Mahaprajñāpāramitā Sūtra*, this leaf underscores Buddhism's cultural dominance in Japan, blending artistry with piety. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department, this 2013 acquisition highlights the sutra's enduring legacy, inviting visitors to ponder timeless Buddhist ideals in a beautifully preserved artifact.